Drysuits more hassle then they are worth
Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:50 pm
Sup All
Felt like sharing my experience with drysuits a bit
Last year I bought a $700 drysuit that was meant for kitesurfing and after having owned it for a while I am under the impression that drysuits really are more hassle than the huge price is worth.
I have absolutely babied my drysuit after every session. Washed off suit, made sure to rinse seals, cleaned and waxed zipper, always folded it right and now after less than 10 sessions my suit is out of commission with a torn seal which will cost me $50 to fix myself.
Originally the suit was almost impossible to get off by myself and still is a struggle (yes i know about the rolling up technique). In addition during crashes water gets forced under the seals leaving me still warm but wet, with ballooned pant legs. Seem kinda against the point of having a drysuit.
I understand for those of you trying to ride in the truly hardcore conditions, air temps below freezing and water temps just around freezing, that drysuits are pretty much the only choice, but for people just trying to jump start their season I feel like you are better off with a wetsuit.
I also feel that if you are pushing it and taking some high speed crashes you are much better off with a wetsuit.
Thoughts?
PS i guess i am bummed that my $700 suit is broken is broken but just wanted to raise some points people can think about when deciding between wet and dry suits.
Felt like sharing my experience with drysuits a bit
Last year I bought a $700 drysuit that was meant for kitesurfing and after having owned it for a while I am under the impression that drysuits really are more hassle than the huge price is worth.
I have absolutely babied my drysuit after every session. Washed off suit, made sure to rinse seals, cleaned and waxed zipper, always folded it right and now after less than 10 sessions my suit is out of commission with a torn seal which will cost me $50 to fix myself.
Originally the suit was almost impossible to get off by myself and still is a struggle (yes i know about the rolling up technique). In addition during crashes water gets forced under the seals leaving me still warm but wet, with ballooned pant legs. Seem kinda against the point of having a drysuit.
I understand for those of you trying to ride in the truly hardcore conditions, air temps below freezing and water temps just around freezing, that drysuits are pretty much the only choice, but for people just trying to jump start their season I feel like you are better off with a wetsuit.
I also feel that if you are pushing it and taking some high speed crashes you are much better off with a wetsuit.
Thoughts?
PS i guess i am bummed that my $700 suit is broken is broken but just wanted to raise some points people can think about when deciding between wet and dry suits.